Six people have taken their first steps towards becoming bushfire investigators, starting their training at the VEMTC Huntly Campus over the weekend (30 September).
The Introduction to Fire Investigation (Bushfire) course is the first stage of training to become a Bushfire Investigator within CFA.
The course delivered training in the specialist and technical areas of:
- Introduction to the CFA Fire Investigation Program
- Roles and responsibilities of a Fire Investigator
- Fire Investigation legislation, policy and procedures
- Roles and responsibilities of agencies involved in Fire Investigation within Victoria
- Preparation prior to attendance at a fire investigation scene
- Initial actions when attending fire scenes as a Bushfire Investigator
- Documenting and reporting on the fire investigation scene
- Attending court as a witness to present fire investigation findings
A number of fire investigation case studies were also delivered throughout the course to highlight the key lessons learned.
The next stage of their training will involve attending the CFA and DELWP Bushfire Investigation course at Castlemaine in November.
At this course they will be joined by personnel from DELWP / FFMVic, MFB, Victoria Police Arson and Explosives Squad and Forensic Services, who will also be undertaking the training.
This next stage of their course will provide the future investigators with further specialised training and practical operational skills in determining the origin, cause and path of bushfires.